Human trafficking is one of the greatest injustices of our time, affecting millions of sons and daughters of God for freedom, dignity, and purpose. The Gospel calls the Church to proclaim good news to the poor and freedom for the captives. Not only in a spiritual sense but also in the way we respond to real-world bondage. Organisations like A21 remind us that abolishing modern slavery requires both radical hope and practical action, and the local church is uniquely positioned to carry both. Today, let us look at how churches can respond to human trafficking.
The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. 2 He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’ Isaiah 61 vs 1-3 [ERV]
Pray: Partnering with God’s heart for freedom
Before any programme or strategy, the Church’s first response is to seek God’s heart and power in prayer. Prayer keeps us from becoming numb to statistics and helps us see each victim as a beloved person for whom Christ died.
- Pray for victims and survivors
- Pray for those currently trapped in sexual exploitation or forced labour, that God would protect them, open doors of escape, and surround them with trustworthy people who can intervene.
- Pray for deep inner healing for survivors—freedom from shame, trauma, and fear, and the restoration of identity, relationships, and calling.
- Pray for traffickers and exploiters
- Ask God to expose networks of trafficking, bring criminal operations into the light, and grant courage and wisdom to law enforcement.
- Pray for the repentance and transformation of traffickers, believing that God can turn even hardened hearts and use their stories to prevent future harm.
- Pray for frontline organisations and the Church
- Use A21’s prayer guides and similar resources to intercede regularly for prevention work, rescues, and survivor aftercare around the world.
- Pray that churches would be awakened, educated, and equipped, moving from passive concern to sustained engagement in this fight.
Prevent: Educating and safeguarding our communities
The majority of trafficking begins with vulnerability and deception, which means prevention starts with awareness and protection long before a crime is reported. A21 emphasises reaching the vulnerable with knowledge so they can recognise warning signs and protect themselves and others.
- Teach your congregation what trafficking really is
- Offer teaching sessions, youth nights, or small group studies explaining how trafficking works today (online grooming, false job offers, relationship-based recruitment), using A21’s educational materials where available.
- Clarify myths – for example, that trafficking is not only kidnapping in foreign countries but also involves local, subtle forms of control and exploitation.
- Equip parents, youth, and vulnerable groups
- Share age-appropriate safety guides that cover online safety, social media red flags, and how to respond if someone approaches them with suspicious offers.
- Offer mentoring, discipleship, and job-readiness programmes for at-risk youth and adults in your community, helping to reduce vulnerabilities traffickers prey on.
- Make your church a safe community
- Implement clear safeguarding policies, background checks for volunteers, and reporting procedures so your church is a place of protection, not risk.
- Train leaders and volunteers to recognise signs of exploitation (sudden control by a “boyfriend”, unexplained new gifts, extreme secrecy, fearfulness) and know how to respond appropriately and legally in your context.
- Support Our A21 Freedom Campaign
Practical support: Acting together with A21 and others
Prayer and prevention naturally flow into practical action, where churches stand shoulder to shoulder with ministries like A21 in real, tangible ways. No single church can do everything, but every church can do something that matters.
- Partner with A21 and local organisations
- Explore formal partnerships or support with A21, including giving, volunteering, promoting their campaigns, and using their resources to educate your congregation.
- Connect with local NGOs, shelters, and law enforcement task forces that specialize in victim support, and ask how your church can contribute to their existing work rather than duplicating it.
- Mobilise your church into action
- Participate in awareness events such as A21’s Walk for Freedom, using them as opportunities to pray together, raise funds, and start conversations in your city.
- Create serving opportunities: collecting needed items for safe houses, offering professional skills (counselling, legal aid, job training), or providing meals and practical care for survivors.
- Support survivors with dignity and wisdom
- When your church encounters survivors, prioritise trauma-informed care – listening carefully, avoiding pressure to share details publicly, and working alongside trained professionals.
- Offer long-term community through small groups, discipleship, and inclusion in the life of the church, remembering that healing is often a slow, sacred journey.
- Support Our A21 Freedom Campaign
A call to the Church: For such a time as this
The issue of human trafficking can feel overwhelming. Still, the Church is not powerless—Jesus has already declared freedom for the captives, and invites His people to embody that declaration in every generation. By praying with perseverance, preventing exploitation through education and safeguarding, and providing practical, informed support in partnership with organisations like A21, churches can become beacons of hope in a world of hidden slavery.
You may not be able to do everything. But you can start today and trust God to multiply even one small, faithful step toward freedom.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
